Spain won the 2022 European Men’s Basketball Championship, beating France 88-76.
In the final, played at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, the capital of Germany, France, who had their only championship in the tournament in 2013, and Spain, which had 3 championships, faced each other.
Leading the first quarter 23-14, Spain increased the lead to 21 points (47-26) with 2.5 minutes left at halftime. When France caught the 11-0 series in the remaining section, they went to the locker room with Spain’s 47-37 superiority.
Starting the 3rd period with Yabusele’s consecutive points, France reduced the lead to 3 points (49-46) within 3 minutes. But Spain started the last 10 minutes ahead 66-57 with second chance baskets from offensive rebounds and accurate shots on the 3-point line.
Spain, which did not allow the gap to close with the effective play of Juancho Hernangomez and Brown, won the field 88-76.
Spain reached the 4th European championship in its history after 2009, 2011 and 2015. Thus, Spain became the champion for the 4th time in the last 6 tournaments.
Juancho Hernangomez, who scored 5 rebounds in addition to 27 points with 7 three-pointers in 9, and Brown, who had a “double double” with 14 points and 11 rebounds, carried Spain to the victory.
For France, Fournier had 23 points, Heurtel 16 points, 7 assists and Yabusele 13 points and 6 assists.
In the 3rd place match, the host Germany defeated Poland 82-69. Germany thus achieved its best time in the championship since 2005, when it finished in 2nd place.
1st Quarter: Spain 23-14 France
2nd Quarter: Spain 24-23 France
3rd Quarter: Spain 19-20 France
4th Quarter: Spain 22-19 France
